The On Location Education Blog
Assuring the Well-Being of Your Child Performer
Recently, two industry powerhouses, Sally Gaglini and Alan Simon, had the opportunity to engage in a Twitter discussion on the topic, “Assuring the Well-Being of Your Child Performer.”
Alan Simon is the founder and President of Location Education, co-chairperson of the SAG-AFTRA Performer’s Committee (New York Branch), and a member of the Young Performer’s Committee of the Actors’ Equity Association. Sally Gaglini is the author of Young Performers at Work: Child Star Survival Guide and a legal advisor with twenty-five years’ experience working with young performers.
Four Can’t-Miss, On-Set Boredom Busters for Young Performers
People who work in the film and television industry know that there can be a lot of waiting around during production. This can be particularly challenging for a young actor. The good news, however, is that with a little planning, on-set downtime can be productive and enjoyable. Here are four ways young performers can combat boredom between takes.
Dos & Don’ts of Parenting an Auditioning Child
This is it. You’ve been running lines with your child to prepare for this audition. Your young performer is now headed into the casting room, nervous, excited, and ready. All you can do now is wait until your son or daughter emerges from the casting room. But then what?
Industry Voices: An Interview with On-Set Teacher Sally Rusk
It used to be said that school was about the three “Rs”: reading, writing, and arithmetic. Today’s students delve deeper into a wider range of subjects, of course, with additional studies in the areas of history, science, technology, and more. But when your classroom is on a set and your schoolwork happens between takes, your teacher’s responsibility goes even further than that.
On-Set Teaching: Do You Have What It Takes?
Teachers know that look – the one that comes across a student’s face the moment a lesson clicks. Now, imagine having the opportunity to work closely with just a handful of students or even a single student. You would be able to customize your lesson plans to focus on how each individual learns best, which means more of those “aha!” moments. That’s one of the perks of being an “On-Set Teacher” (or “Studio Teacher,” as they are known in California).
Extended Travel with Kids in Tow? Pack a Bag (and a Teacher)
“I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.” ~ Mark Twain
Thinking about embarking on a memorable, long-term vacation with your family? Whether you’re dreaming of winding your way around the world or trekking cross-country, extended travel offers a long list of benefits for the entire family. For one thing, nationwide or global exploration provides hands-on learning experiences for your children that no classroom can rival. But before you pack your bags and hit the road, there are a few school-related preparations you will need to make.
Every Picture Tells A Story
Aside from your child’s talent and tenacity, a headshot is one of the most important components in any actor’s career. Agents and casting directors see them by the hundreds on a daily basis, so you naturally want one that stands out. Competition is fierce, and you only have a few seconds to make an impression. The trick is getting a photo that captures your personality (or type) and presents you in a natural and professional manner. This is all easier said than done, but there are strategies for getting the headshot that tells your story perfectly.
Are You Social Media Savvy?
For child actors working to launch their careers (and the parents who support them), building awareness outside of auditions can be one of the greatest challenges in their fledgling professional lives. Luckily, there’s an inexpensive yet potentially powerful marketing tool at your disposal that can help you connect with entertainment industry professionals and keep your young performer in their spotlights whether they’re auditioning for them or not: social media.
Are Acting Classes Right For Your Young Performer?
With the burden of academics eased during the summer, some young performers and their parents may consider education of another sort: acting classes. But before you run off and book sessions in the Meisner Technique for your budding star, there are several important factors to consider.
Minimizing the Summer Slide
Summer is winding down, and while child actors enjoy “no more pencils, no more books” as much as the next child, they’re just as vulnerable to what educators call the dreaded “summer slide.” Education, like acting, is a work in progress that is best improved by practice, practice, practice! We may be too far into the season to stop the slide, but there are things that young performers, parents, and family members can do to brush up on their education chops and get ready for the new year.
Nothing Wrong with the Right or Left
It’s been long accepted as fact that left-brained people are better equipped for more logical and analytical pursuits, like science and math, while their right-brained counterparts are more intuitive and creative, perfect for work in the arts. Regardless of where your perceived brain strengths lie, the truth of the matter is that successful actors should work to be mentally ambidextrous. Which of the following approaches to performing best describes you?
Studio Teachers: Unsung Heroes of Stage and Screen
“It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” ~Albert Einstein
Conventional wisdom tells us that all teachers have the potential to change the lives of students for the better, not only by dispensing information, but perhaps more importantly by being positive role models and helping to shape the adult that the student will one day become. And in spite of non-traditional settings, hectic schedules, and often high-profile students, studio teachers and on-set tutors possess that same potential to have a lasting influence on their charges.